A Columbia Graduate’s Painful Exit: Ranjani Srinivasan Flees US Due to Immigration Crackdown

Ranjani Srinivasan, a graduate student from Columbia University, found herself in an increasingly difficult situation as she completed her studies in the United States. Despite her academic excellence, Ranjani’s dreams of staying in the country to work in the tech industry were abruptly derailed by a series of stringent immigration policies.

Srinivasan, who had come to the US from India to study computer science, arrived at Columbia with a sense of excitement and ambition. Her time at the university was marked by numerous academic achievements, including high grades, a strong network of mentors, and a passion for technological innovation. She believed that the US, with its vibrant tech ecosystem, would provide her with opportunities to grow and contribute to the industry she had long been fascinated by.

However, as Ranjani neared the end of her degree, the political climate in the US began to shift dramatically. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, a number of immigration policies were introduced that targeted international students and made it more difficult for them to remain in the country after graduation. Work visa programs like the H-1B became more restrictive, and opportunities for international graduates to transition into full-time employment were becoming increasingly limited.

For Ranjani, the dream of securing a job at a top US tech firm seemed to slip further out of reach with each passing day. Despite excelling in her studies, the path forward was blocked by bureaucratic hurdles and restrictive immigration rules. As the threat of deportation loomed large, she realized that her prospects in the US were quickly disappearing.

The final blow came when Ranjani’s application for a work visa was denied. Her hopes of continuing her career in America crumbled as she found herself caught between a difficult choice: accept the reality of being sent back to India or take a drastic step to ensure her future. The decision was not an easy one, but ultimately, Ranjani chose to leave the United States.

Ranjani’s story is not an isolated one. Thousands of international students in the US, many of whom are pursuing advanced degrees in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), are facing similar struggles. As immigration policies tighten, the US risks losing a generation of talented and motivated individuals who could have contributed significantly to its economy and innovation sector.

Ranjani’s departure also highlights a broader issue: the uncertain future that international students now face in the US. Once a beacon of opportunity for global talent, the US is increasingly seen as a less welcoming destination for those seeking to build their careers and lives. The country’s immigration policies, once known for their flexibility and inclusivity, now seem to be driving away some of the brightest minds in the world.